Information Technology Specialist (Security)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection · Ashburn, VA
- On site
- Full-time
- $133,142 / year
- Ashburn, VA
Job highlights
- Secure U.S. borders as an IT Specialist.
- Implement and maintain IT security systems.
- Evaluate security architectures and designs.
- Provide cybersecurity input for procurements.
- Report potential security violations promptly.
About the role
About the Role
As an IT Specialist (Security) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you will leverage your expertise in Information Technology principles, concepts, and methods to support critical IT systems and services. You will become a key team member within the Office of Information and Technology, Cyber Security Directorate, contributing directly to Homeland Security's mission by implementing and maintaining various IT application software components. This position offers a competitive salary, starting at $102,415.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $133,142.00 (GS-12, Step 10), with locality pay adjustments available. For more details on salary, please refer to the provided locality pay tables and special pay rate charts. Key responsibilities include:- Establishing, implementing, and interpreting requirements for agency compliance with higher-level policy directives and executive orders.
- Evaluating security architectures and designs to ensure the adequacy of proposed security measures.
- Providing system-related input on cybersecurity requirements for procurement documents.
- Delivering technical documents, incident reports, and situational awareness information to higher headquarters.
- Recognizing and reporting potential security violations as required.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following requirements:- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Have primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
- All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
- May be required to pass a background investigation.
- Adherence to the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
- Compliance with government ethics standards.
Qualifications
Basic Requirement: Demonstrated IT-related experience in Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving. Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-12 grade level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. This experience includes:- Establishing, implementing, and interpreting compliance requirements for infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.
- Leading efforts to address security issues in new cyber-crime areas.
- Evaluating security architectures and designs for proposed or provided solutions.
- Providing input on cybersecurity requirements for procurement documents.
- Analyzing and updating security plans, policies, and procedures.
- Developing cybersecurity system designs to enhance controls and mitigate risks.
Background Investigation & Residency
A thorough background investigation is mandatory due to CBP's role as a federal law enforcement agency. The investigation will include inquiries into criminal history, drug use, and controlled substance involvement. There is a residency requirement: individuals must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. Exceptions may apply for those working for the U.S. Government, dependents accompanying government employees, study abroad participants, or contractors supporting the U.S. government.Probationary Period & Transition Programs
New federal employees must serve a one-year probationary period. Current and former federal employees may also be required to complete one. Information for CTAP/ICTAP eligibles is provided, requiring a minimum score of 85 and specific documentation.Additional Information
Reasonable Accommodation requests for assessments must be submitted prior to assessment commencement. Additional Hiring Authorities: Veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities may be eligible for non-competitive appointments. Documentation is required to confirm eligibility. CBP's Mission: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is dedicated to securing America's borders by enforcing trade and travel regulations, screening passengers and shipments, seizing illegal goods, and conducting rescue operations. Join DHS to make an impact and protect American interests. Key skills/competency: Information Technology, Cybersecurity, IT Specialist, Security Architecture, Policy Compliance, Risk Management, Procurement Support, Incident Response, System Design, Technical Documentation.Skills & topics
- Information Technology Specialist
- Security
- Cybersecurity
- IT Systems
- Policy Compliance
- Security Architecture
- Risk Management
- Procurement Support
- Incident Response
- System Design
- Federal Government
- Homeland Security
- GS-12
- Ashburn, VA
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Explicitly detail how your experience meets the specialized experience requirements for the IT Specialist (Security) role.
- Understand federal hiring: Familiarize yourself with federal employment requirements, including U.S. citizenship, residency, and Selective Service registration.
- Highlight key skills: Emphasize your expertise in cybersecurity, policy compliance, risk management, and system design.
- Prepare for background checks: Be ready to undergo a thorough background investigation, including questions about criminal history and drug use.
- Address qualifications directly: Ensure your resume clearly indicates proficiency in Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Technical preparation
Review cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards.,Study security architecture and design principles.,Practice documenting security incidents and findings.,Familiarize with IT procurement processes.
Behavioral questions
How do you ensure attention to detail in your work?,Describe a time you provided excellent customer service.,How do you approach complex problem-solving scenarios?,Give an example of effective oral communication.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of an Information Technology Specialist (Security) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
- The primary responsibility of an IT Specialist (Security) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection is to leverage expertise in Information Technology principles to support and maintain critical IT systems and services, focusing on cybersecurity and agency compliance with policy directives.
- What are the key qualifications for the IT Specialist (Security) position?
- Key qualifications include U.S. citizenship, meeting residency requirements, and possessing specialized IT experience. This experience involves establishing compliance requirements, evaluating security architectures, providing cybersecurity input for procurement, and developing system designs to enhance security.
- How does U.S. Customs and Border Protection handle background investigations for IT Specialist (Security) roles?
- CBP conducts a thorough background investigation, which is a mandatory pre-employment process. This investigation assesses factors including criminal history, drug use, and adherence to government ethics standards, ensuring a trustworthy and secure workforce.
- Are there specific residency requirements for this IT Specialist (Security) position?
- Yes, there is a residency requirement. Applicants must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. Exceptions may apply under specific conditions related to U.S. government employment or support.
- What is the salary range for the IT Specialist (Security) position at U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
- The salary for this position starts at $102,415.00 (GS-12, Step 1) and can go up to $133,142.00 (GS-12, Step 10). Locality pay adjustments may apply based on the geographic area.
- Can non-citizens apply for the Information Technology Specialist (Security) role at CBP?
- No, U.S. Citizenship is a mandatory requirement to apply for this position with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- What documentation is needed to demonstrate specialized experience for the IT Specialist (Security) application?
- Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet the specialized experience requirements. This includes detailing experience in cybersecurity, policy compliance, security architecture evaluation, and system design related to IT security.
- Does U.S. Customs and Border Protection offer opportunities for veterans or individuals with disabilities for the IT Specialist (Security) role?
- Yes, CBP actively encourages applications from veterans, military spouses, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities. These groups may be eligible for non-competitive appointments and should provide required documentation for eligibility.